Somerset County Council's Registration Service is ready and waiting for couples wishing to tie the knot through a new 'opposite sex civil partnership' next year.

The service would love to hear from couples interested in booking a ceremony in 2020 following the change of Government legislation which will make civil partnerships available to opposite sex couples as well as same sex.

Civil partnerships were introduced as a way for same sex couples to form a legal union in 2005, while marriage equality for all British couples was introduced in 2014. This new development is welcomed by campaigners who have worked to make both choices open to all couples.

Somerset Registration Service has a large team of professional celebrants who will tailor ceremonies to suit each couple's preferences. Highly trained and with a wealth of experience, they bring a flexible and personal approach to both simple register office ceremonies and grand events at over 120 licensed venues across Somerset and North Somerset.

These include well-known spots such as Wookey Hole caves, Dunster Castle, Clevedon Pier, Somerset County Ground, Secret World Animal Rescue, Haynes Motor Museum as well as beautiful farms, hotels and country houses in every corner of the county. Staff are now looking forward to making more special days under the new civil partnership arrangements.

Councillor David Hall, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Planning and Community Infrastructure, praised the service. "Here in Somerset, in partnership with North Somerset Council, we are proud to offer a truly customer-focused registration service and the chance to provide civil partnerships to all couples is a welcome addition to our offer.

"Time and again, we receive feedback that our staff, ceremonies and venues have exceeded expectations. At offices accessible across all districts, the registration staff are a first-rate team delivering a service that reflects the needs of our residents and visitors."

You can find out more about marriage and partnerships on the Somerset Registration Service website [email protected] in the More Information section and blog. The team are happy to answer any queries you may have.

Get in touch now to register your interest in a 2020 opposite sex civil partnership ceremony. Staff will contact you to complete the booking process as soon as the legislation is formally announced www.somersetweddingservice.org.uk